'Things didn’t get better until I stopped trying to fix him and instead started looking after my emotional needs.'Mary

What can I do?

Looking after yourself

If you’ve become a hostage to your loved one’s alcohol or other drug use its time to start putting your needs first and looking after yourself.

Learn how >

Alternative Strategies

Mood swings and erratic behaviour often accompany alcohol and other drug use. It’s really difficult to interact with someone when you’re uncertain of their state of mind.

Learn here >

Are you living in fear?

Talk to someone at the Drug and Alcohol Helpline 0800 787 797

See and share stories >

Overcoming Fear

We need to face the truth of our fears. When we face what scares us head-on, we can challenge it. Remember, the unfortunate events which we live in fear of happening, do not need to happen.

Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act) 2017 (SACAT)

Wanting to get a loved one into compulsory Alcohol and Other Drug treatment?

Click for more info >

Take the test

The stress of dealing with a loved one’s alcohol or other drug use can warp our ability to get a clear perspective on how we are feeling.

We’ve created a bit of a test to help. It’s not really a test in the traditional sense, rather it’s a series of statements to help you think about the emotional effect your loved one’s alcohol or other drug use is having on you.

How many questions did you tick yes too?

Problems with alcohol and other drug use within the family can be hard to quantify based on a few questions. Perhaps even ticking yes to one or two of the questions has significant meaning to you in terms of your situation at home. However, in general, you could consider the following scores as a guide. Click here if you feel you need to talk to someone further

'Things didn’t get better until I stopped trying to fix him and instead started looking after my emotional needs.'Mary

What can I do?

Looking after yourself

Strategies for coping

Alternative Strategies

Are you living in fear?

Overcoming Fear

Talking to your children

Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act) 2017 (SACAT)

'Things didn’t get better until I stopped trying to fix him and instead started looking after my emotional needs.'Mary

What can I do?

Looking after yourself

Strategies for coping

Alternative Strategies

Are you living in fear?

Overcoming Fear

Talking to your children

Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment Act) 2017 (SACAT)

Take the test

The stress of dealing with a loved one’s alcohol or other drug use can warp our ability to get a clear perspective on how we are feeling.

How many questions did you tick yes too?

Your result was

There are some definite concerns for you surrounding your loved one’s alcohol or other drug use.

Your result was

You’ve probably been living the life of a concerned other for some time now and your quality of life is suffering.

Your result was

Things are probably at a crisis point in your life and something needs to change.